The New York Blood Center is calling on New York City area residents to donate to help with what's now a blood emergency.
Andrea Cefarelli with the Blood Center says the universal blood type o-negative is down to a two day supply. The blood center would like a five to seven day supply. She says there's been 50 percent decrease in donations from 16 to 23 year old's following the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Pre pandemic, they made up about 25 percent of our annual donations. Following the pandemic, those blood donations from the young students just haven't rebounded."
Cefarelli says they are currently rebuilding relationships with schools and have a digital campaign to try and recruit younger donors. The New York Blood Center serves the city and the suburbs.